Job 6

Job Replies: My Complaint Is Just

¹ Then Job replied:

² “If only my grief could be weighed and placed with my calamity on the scales.

³ For then it would outweigh the sand of the seas— no wonder my words have been rash.

⁴ For the arrows of the Almighty have pierced me; my spirit drinks in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.

⁵ Does a wild donkey bray over fresh grass, or an ox low over its fodder?

⁶ Is tasteless food eaten without salt, or is there flavor in the white of an egg ¹?

⁷ My soul refuses to touch them; they are loathsome food to me.

⁸ If only my request were granted and God would fulfill my hope:

⁹ that God would be willing to crush me, to unleash His hand and cut me off!

¹⁰ It still brings me comfort, and joy through unrelenting pain, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One.

¹¹ What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What is my future, that I should be patient?

¹² Is my strength like that of stone, or my flesh made of bronze?

¹³ Is there any help within me now that success is driven from me?

¹⁴ A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

¹⁵ But my brothers are as faithless as wadis, as seasonal streams that overflow,

¹⁶ darkened because of the ice and the inflow of melting snow,

¹⁷ but ceasing in the dry season and vanishing from their channels in the heat.

¹⁸ Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go into the wasteland and perish.

¹⁹ The caravans of Tema look for water; the travelers of Sheba hope to find it.

²⁰ They are confounded because they had hoped; their arrival brings disappointment.

²¹ For now you are of no help; you see terror, and you are afraid.

²² Have I ever said, ‘Give me something; offer me a bribe from your wealth;

²³ deliver me from the hand of the enemy; redeem me from the grasp of the ruthless’?

²⁴ Teach me, and I will be silent. Help me understand how I have erred.

²⁵ How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove?

²⁶ Do you intend to correct my words, and treat as wind my cry of despair?

²⁷ You would even cast lots for an orphan and barter away your friend.

²⁸ But now, please look at me. Would I lie to your face?

²⁹ Reconsider; do not be unjust. Reconsider, for my righteousness is at stake.

³⁰ Is there iniquity on my tongue? Can my mouth not discern malice?